On your marks, get ready for the Reading Half Marathon

Thousands of runners will be taking to the streets to take part in The Green Park Reading Half Marathon 2025 on Sunday 23 March.

Elite competitors, experienced runners, fitness enthusiasts and first timers will be tackling the 13-mile route through the heart of Reading.

Residents are being warned of the rolling road closures which will take place throughout the day and advised to plan ahead if they intend to travel. Full details of the route and roads affected can be found at: https://www.readinghalfmarathon.com/.

Roads along the route can be closed at any point between 6am and 4pm but a guideline of closure times for each street is available below (see notes to editor). Diversions will be in place and closures will be removed as soon as it is safe to do so. Road users are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

Half marathon runners will set off from Green Park at 10.15am on 23 March, heading to Whitley before taking in the Reading University campus, crossing the Kennet and making their way into the heart of the town centre. From there, they will travel west towards Prospect Park before looping back around and down the A33 Relief Road to the Select Car Leasing Stadium, the home of Reading FC, for the big finish in front of thousands of spectators.

A full route map can be found at: https://www.readinghalfmarathon.com/pages/reading-half-marathon

The popular 3km Green Park Challenge, which is open to all the family, is also taking place at 8.30am the same day but is contained within Green Park.

The Green Park Reading Half Marathon has become one of the most popular annual events for runners in the UK and raises thousands of pounds for charities every year. Around 700 volunteers provide support around the course on the day and spectators line the route to cheer on the runners.

The Green Park Reading Half Marathon 2025 is organised by Goldline Events and the Council supports the event by co-ordinating road closures, hosting the information point for participants at the stadium and staffing a residents’ hotline.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Lead Councillor for Culture and Leisure, said:

“It is always a thrill to see so many people coming out onto the streets of Reading to be part of the half-marathon.

“It is not just a big day for the runners but for their friends and family, and residents who cheer them on along the route and enjoy the amazing, friendly atmosphere.

“The organisers work closely with the Council to keep disturbance to a minimum but there will inevitably be some disruption. I would strongly advise anyone planning to travel in Reading on half-marathon day to check for road closures, plan their journey in advance and allow extra time.

“I wish everyone taking part in the half marathon all the very best and hope that many thousands of pounds are raised for very worthy causes.”

For full information on road closures, visit: https://www.readinghalfmarathon.com/pages/travel-information

A Reading Half-Marathon residents’ hotline will be operating throughout the day on: 0118 937 2771.